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Spread Joy, Nurture Hope this Ganesh Chaturthi. Serve Mid-Day Meals

It’s time to get together to celebrate the most popular and deeply rooted festival of Indian culture – Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The fragrance of incense sticks, marigolds and modaks (a traditional sweet) fills the air while people praise the elephant-headed god, who brings good luck and fulfil our wishes.

The festival starts on the 4th day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, which is usually in August or September, and spans for 10 days. This year, it falls on August 27.

How People Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?

During these days, India becomes a grand spectacle with flowers, rangolis, fireworks, prayers and chanting. People perform charity, such as serving meals or donating essentials to those in need, thus spreading joy and bringing smiles to many faces. The roads and streets come alive with beautifully decorated clay idols of Lord Ganesha and processions with drums, music and dance.

On this 10-day festival, people observe four main rituals:

Prana Pratishta

Shodashopachara

Uttarpuja

Ganpati Visarjan

On the first day, families buy idols of Lord Ganesha to perform puja. Devotees build pandals (temporary temples) on public spaces, install giant idols, perform aarti and offer prayers. This marks the first ritual, Prana Pratishta, where prana, the divine presence, is invoked into the idol in the temple or at home.

This is followed by the Shodashopachara ritual, a 16-step worship procedure dedicated to Lord Ganesha, honouring him by offering flowers, sweets, especially modaks, etc.

The next is Uttarpuja, which brings the festival to a close. This ritual is about bidding farewell to the God and people express gratitude for the blessings they received from the deity.

The final ritual is the Ganpati Visarjan, which is the act of immersing idols in lakes, rivers or oceans symbolising the deity’s return to the heavenly abode.

The Story about the Birth of Lord Ganesha

There are many narratives surrounding the birth of Lord Ganesha. A famous one is of Goddess Parvati, who, to overcome Her loneliness, made Him out of sandalwood paste.

One day, as Parvati was preparing for a bath, She asked Lord Ganesha to guard the entrance to Her chambers and not let anyone inside. When Lord Shiva returned from the Himalayas after years of penance, Ganesha, unaware of who he was, denied entry. This infuriated Lord Shiva, as a strange boy stopped Him from entering His own house. He threw his Trishul and beheaded Him.  When Parvati saw the headless body of Her boy, She was enraged, threatened to unleash Her destructive form. Shiva learned that the boy was His child and regretted His action. To console Parvati, He resurrected Ganesha by placing the head of an elephant on Him and blessed Him as the Lord of Ganas. Since then, Lord Ganesha has been worshipped first before any auspicious occasions.

History of Ganesh Chaturthi

Though this festival has roots in ancient times, it became popular during India’s freedom struggles. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an independent activist, used Ganesh Chaturthi as a strategic tool to unite people against colonial rule. During that time, British authorities had imposed strict regulations on public gatherings to curb the freedom movement. Thus, he turned the festival into a platform to bring people together, presenting it as a religious festival.

Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a time for rituals and festivities, it is also a time for giving, service and kindness.

Serve Mid-day meals this Ganesh Chaturthi with Akshaya Patra

Lord Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta, which means the remover of obstacles. On this occasion, help children overcome the barriers to their education by supporting Akshaya Patra’s School Feeding Programme. As a Social Impact Organisation, Akshaya Patra works in partnership with the Government of India’s PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Programme) to serve nutrition to schoolchildren.

Currently, feeding 2.25 million children every day from 78 locations, Akshaya Patra works tirelessly towards the vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.

Donate for Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

Everyone has the accountability and responsibility to protect children with nutrition and education. On this Ganesh Chaturthi, perform the tradition of giving by supporting Akshaya Patra’s School Feeding Programme. When you donate for Ganesh Chaturthi, you are not only serving mid-day meals but also investing in a better future generation, for it results in:

Increase school enrolment

Reduce absenteeism

Reduce dropouts

Enhance nutritional intake

Improve academic performance

Women empowerment

Promote social harmony

Help a child to begin a new life of nourishment and dreams. Your Ganesh Chaturthi donation of ₹1,500 sponsors mid-day meals to a child for an entire year.

Celebrate with a Purpose

As you welcome Lord Ganesha into your homes this year, support millions of children who dream of a better future. Let the blessings of Vighnaharta remove the obstacles in their path to education and opportunity. Your occasional donations help children go to school and study well-nourished.  

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is an important festival celebrated by Hindus and Jains. As it is believed to be a day of prosperity, new beginnings and good luck, many people buy gold, start a new business or make important investments on this day hoping to reap huge benefits. Performing charity is also a main part, as this festival is not just about acquiring wealth but also about sharing.

The underlying spirit of this festival is to be kind and generous as every second of this day is considered auspicious. It is believed that your good deeds on this day will return to you doubled. So, it is important to perform kind acts and focus on sharing positivity.  

Akshaya Tritiya – Mythological Significance

‘Akshaya’ means inexhaustible and ‘Tritiya’ signifies the third day as it occurs on the third day of Shukla Paksha, in the month of Vaishaka, according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. There are many mythological references surrounding this festival. These include:

Lord Krishna gifted Akshaya Patra to Draupadi

Sudama’s visit to Lord Krishna which brought him unending prosperity

Birth of Annapoorna Devi, the goddess of food

Lord Parashuram’s birthday

Beginning of Treta Yuga

River Ganga descended from heaven to earth

Veda Vyasa started reciting Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha

Among all these, the one from the Mahabharata where Draupadi receives the Akshaya Patra from Lord Krishna is well-known. This miraculous vessel gave an unending supply of food to Pandavas during their exile in the forest. Another popular story is in Bhagavata Purana where Sudama, a poor Brahmin visits his childhood friend Lord Krishna with a simple gift of chipped rice. Though Sudama didn’t talk to him of his struggles, Krishna understood his silent suffering and blessed him with great prosperity.

Feed Children, Reflect the Spirit of Giving this Akshaya Tritiya

The common thread that ties both these stories together is the gift of meals. Many Hindu scriptures describe the act of feeding as the highest form of virtue. When Sudama offered food, he was blessed with abundance. When Pandavas were in need, they received a vessel that ensured no one went hungry. These stories remind us that the act of feeding has the power to change lives. Doing good, no matter how small, creates ripples of goodness.

In this busy life, as people are engaged with several duties and responsibilities, they often tend to overlook the struggles of their fellow beings. Just as Lord Krishna understood the unspoken pain of his childhood friend, let us also try to understand the silent hardships of millions of children who are forced to make a choice between food and education.

Akshaya Patra – An NGO Aims to Serve Unending Mid-Day Meals

Named after a legendary vessel of abundance, Akshaya Patra is an NGO in India that works as an implementing partner of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Programme or MDM). With a vision to ensure No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger, the organisation is currently serving mid-day meals to children in more than 23,000 schools across 16 states and 3 UTs.  Through their kitchens present in 78 locations, the NGO strives to reach every child, even in the most difficult terrains, and protect their right to nutrition and education. Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meals adhere to the local palate and thus, enhance children’s school lunch experience.

MDM has shown improvement in

Enrollment rate

Attendance

Academic performance

Retention rate

Nutritional status of children

Women empowerment

Social inclusion

The transparency and accountability the NGO holds is widely acclaimed. Winning the ICAI Gold Shield Award for seven consecutive years is a validation of the same. It became the only NGO inducted into the ICAI Hall of Fame, which further establishes it as one of the most trusted NGOs in India.

How can you help?

Fighting classroom hunger is a must-win battle. For this, Akshaya Patra needs the support of people like you. Gift a meal today.

"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." - Franklin D. Roosevelt The progress of a country is mainly determined by the quality of life of its people. Even though India ranks as the fifth largest economy in the world, marginalised communities do not always reap the benefits. There is still an uneven distribution of resources both economically and in terms of service aspects. The Government of India implements various programmes to address this matter. However, in a country as diverse as India, the implementation of these programmes come with its fair share of challenges. Therefore, the country needs collective efforts to achieve its developmental goals. It is here that the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) come into play. Becoming a developed country is a complex and long-term process and it cannot be achieved without investing in the below areas.

Education

Healthcare

Nutrition The government collaborates with NGOs to ensure the successful implementation of all developmental programmes in the country. They address the root cause of inequalities, identify socio-economic and educational challenges and take actions to bring a positive change in society.

Education

Education is the cornerstone of the progress of the country. Many children, especially after the pandemic, have dropped out of school, thus widening the educational gap. NGOs bridge this gap by ensuring that children belonging to disadvantaged communities are receiving proper education. In doing so, they protect children from social evils, such as child labour, early marriage, etc. Quality education is the right of children. Every child should receive equal opportunities to pursue the career they dream of, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, etc. NGOs serve as enablers; through their partnership with the government and/or other stakeholders, they equip children with knowledge and skills for their personal and professional growth. Education breaks the cycle of poverty by providing better employment opportunities and empowering them to live a higher quality of life. Healthcare In a world where health is heavily commercialised, people from disadvantaged backgrounds find it difficult to afford essential healthcare. They withdraw from taking checkups and treatments out of fear of incurring medical debts. To them, every disease sounds like a terminal disease. Several NGOs work on various aspects of healthcare, right from improving their access to basic health care to running awareness programmes and educating people about healthy lifestyle and making informed decisions for their well-being. They conduct free health campaigns, medical check-ups and vaccinations to improve the lives of people, particularly those who are struggling financially. Providing healthcare to all, even in remote regions is a major challenge. Many NGOs operate mobile clinics equipped with medical staff and supplies for connecting those people with medical professionals to provide necessary services. Nutrition Another serious threat that can hinder the development of a country is malnutrition. In India, the problem is undernutrition, especially in children. There are many NGOs that are promoting nutrition by implementing programmes such as the Mid-Day Meal Programme (PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme. Some of these programmes come with additional advantages. In the case of the mid-day meal, for instance, it also acts as an incentive for children to come to school and enhances school enrolment, attendance and retention.

Beyond the aforementioned areas, there exist additional facets in which NGOs play a significant role that influence the country's advancement. Women Empowerment Gender stereotypes, sexual offences, gender-oriented taboos, domestic violence and abuse are shadows that veil the progress of the country. No country can be developed if its women are not receiving equal opportunities for leading a better life. Many NGOs work to empower women. The first step towards empowering women is educating them. Education transforms their lives as they receive better job opportunities, which ultimately leads to financial independence. In addition, addressing the health issues of women is necessary because the destiny of future generations is determined by the health of women. When pregnant women do not receive enough nutrients, they have children with low birth weight due to poor maternal health.

In many low-income families, women are often the last to eat since their focus is on feeding the rest of the family members. Several NGOs conduct educational campaigns and awareness programmes to improve women’s health. Environmental Conservation India’s biodiversity has a huge potential to help it become a developed country. The government in collaboration with NGOs educates the public about the importance of environmental conservation. Some NGOs conduct research to better understand and protect India’s unique flora and fauna. They carry out afforestation and reforestation programmes to restore the degraded ecosystem. Disaster Relief NGOs play a major role in disaster management. During times of calamities, NGOs are the first who come for humanitarian assistance. They distribute relief materials, organise health camps and arrange temporary shelters for sufferers. They collect data and study the extent of damage in order to formulate and implement relief activities. NGOs fight for the protection of fragile regions by educating the public about environmental disasters that might occur as a result of misaligned developmental activities.

Malnutrition amongst children is a pressing issue in India as it is in other countries. Based on a variety of factors such as socio-economic conditions, healthcare infrastructure and geographical locations, each nation facing this challenge of malnutrition. India is majorly dealing with the prevalence of undernutrition.

India ranks as the second largest producer of food grains. Still, many families from low economic backgrounds in India are unable to afford nutritious meals regularly. During the lockdown period, the situation has even aggravated. It shows the necessity for investments in healthcare programmes and also to bridge the gaps in the food distribution system. A multi-faceted approach involving multiple stakeholders such as the government, NGOs, nutritionists, policymakers, corporates and individuals is necessary to better understand the root cause of malnutrition.

Let’s dive into the list of measures to combat malnutrition in children.

Ensure maternal nutrition To address this issue of malnutrition in children, it is necessary to start with the health of mothers. Many pregnant women in India are not having a healthy meal and they are aneamic. Due to this, the children they give birth to may not survive or maybe undernourished and suffer life-long health issues. The Body Mass Index (BMI or the ratio of weight-for-height) of such children will be below the norm. Therefore, ensuring the health of mothers, before, during and after pregnancy is necessary to set a path towards building a healthy future. So maternal health plays a crucial role in the overall development of a child.

Conduct nutrition awareness programmes The issue of malnutrition is influenced by various social, economic and cultural factors. So, conducting nutrition awareness programmes can help to combat it by educating parents, individuals, communities and policymakers about the importance of child nutrition and thus empower them to make informed decisions about child’s health care.

Effective Implementation of programmes for addressing malnutrition The Government of India has introduced various schemes such as the Mid-Day Meal Programme (now, PM POSHAN Abhiyaan), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Scheme for Adolescent Girls, Anganwadi Service Scheme for the well-being of children. However, the effective implementation of these programmes depends on transparency, community participation and proper tracking of the improvement in the nutritional status of children.

Fortification Fortification is a method to tackle nutritional deficiencies such as iron, vitamin A and other minerals. The process of fortification involves adding micronutrients to rice, wheat flour, maize flour, oil, salt and other widely-consumed products. Thus, it artificially increases the nutritional value of food. So providing fortified food grains can improve the nutritional status of children.

Support NGOs for children through donation NGOs can have a huge impact on eradicating malnutrition in India. There are numerous NGOs that work for the welfare of children. Many NGOs implement the Government of India’s Mid-Day Meal Programme to eradicate classroom hunger in schools. Some conduct fundraising campaigns for nutritional programmes and make it more participatory at all levels. Many children in government and government-aided schools are from financially limited backgrounds, making it difficult for them to access nutritious meals regularly. Mid-day meal (MDM) helps to address the nutritional gap and contributes to reduce malnutrition in children. The promise of a healthy meal regularly acts as an incentive for children to attend the school which in turn raises the attendance, retention and enrolment in schools.

Childhood is often called the golden phase of life since it is the time to be in school, play and enjoy tasty meal, and receive abundant love and care from parents, teachers, peers and the community. However, some children are deprived of such advantages because of the circumstances under which they are born, preventing them from leading such a happy life. It is here lies the importance of NGOs.

NGOs play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of children. Here are some key points for how NGOs give children a nurturing environment where they can grow up healthily and enjoy their rights.

Protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation There are numerous NGOs that conduct awareness programmes and campaigns to educate children, parents and caregivers about child rights and protect them from the risk of violence, abuse and exploitation. Thus, they encourage communities to provide children safe and supportive environment and encourage people to act responsibly against incidences like child abuse, child trafficking, child labour, child marriage, etc.

Support the government to provide essential services for children Some NGOs work in collaboration with the government to address social issues. They bridge the gaps in the government’s child-welfare programmes by providing services that enhance the effectiveness of those initiatives. By bringing the government’s notice to the issues that they may overlook and giving suggestions, they help the government to better understand the needs and challenges, so as to plan, execute and monitor the programmes for providing children the best. They put efforts to influence policies to better protect and support children.

Support the education of children There are many NGOs that focus on increasing access to education, especially for marginalised children and ensure that they have the necessary resources for their educational development. They offer scholarships and financial assistance to children who would otherwise be unable to afford education. This includes covering school fees, providing uniforms, textbooks, and other necessary supplies.

Conduct research on child-related issues NGOs that conduct research and collect data to understand the issues of children play vital in formulating evidence-based policies and programmes. Through collaboration with the government, corporates, academic institutions, and research organisations, those NGOs address child welfare issues effectively. They conduct programmes to educate the public and to create comprehensive solutions to the issues of children.

Provide nutrition programmes and health support Health and nutrition are fundamental components of a child’s overall well-being. Adequate nutrition is essential for a child’s physical and cognitive development. Malnutrition is a widespread issue in many parts of the world. In India, many NGOs are striving to combat malnutrition by implementing various programmes like the Mid-Day Meal Programme (PM POSHNAN Abhiyaan) of the Government of India and ensure that children are healthy and ready to learn to pursue their dreams.

NGOs are formed to further a certain cause or address an issue. Since there is no profit made from running an NGO, when organisations ask for donations, it's to sustain or scale their programmes and continue creating an impact. You must first familiarise yourself with the cause, understand the impact and significance of the issue being pursued by the NGO if you want to donate money.

There are numerous NGOs that work in the areas of health, sanitation, women's empowerment, education, animal welfare and more. Find an NGO that supports a cause that connects with you and that you can get engaged with. Here are some tips to help you identify an ethical and successful NGO in India:

At least 70 per cent of the money you donate should be used for the cause the NGO supports.

Keep an eye on where your money is going, even if it's just a little bit. Be prepared to evaluate the impact of your charitable efforts.

A genuine NGO should uphold the government's standards.

A true NGO will also give you a receipt for your charitable contributions. This receipt may serve as evidence that you just made a donation to a legitimate, registered NGO.

Unknown but undeniable fact: A genuine NGO will always register under 80G Certification, which may allow donors to simply receive tax exemption.

A good and effective NGO has a defined set of objectives, core principles and ethos that inspires donors to make unreserved contributions. In addition to all or any of these, it should develop effective plans for putting them into action.

Having a good relationship with the donors is one of the essential qualities of a true NGO.

A true NGO conducts its business with total accountability, openness and democracy.

In debate and brainstorming sessions, an honest NGO will always take into account the ideas and opinions of each member of the group.

A genuine NGO employs a diverse workforce. Additionally, it is respectful of all cultures, castes, religions and customs.

Nutrition has the power to build progressive societies, prosperous economies and a developed world.

Quality nutrition sets the foundation for an individual’s health and prosperity. Adequate nutrition is essential from one’s time in the womb to help build a strong immune system and well-developed physical and cognitive abilities. But if one fails to receive it during this period, it can significantly suppress their ability to be productive and enjoy a prosperous future.

According to a new report ‘Undernourished and Overlooked: A Global Nutrition Crisis in Adolescent Girls and Women’ released by UNICEF in 2023, the number of pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women suffering from acute malnutrition has risen by 25 per cent in 12 countries since 2020. Furthermore, The Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates (JME) in 2023 disclose inadequate advancement to reach the 2025 World Health Assembly (WHA) global nutrition targets and SDG target 2.2. Only about a third of all nations are ‘on track’ to halve the number of children affected by stunting by 2030.

Consequently, malnourishment persisting among millions can adversely affect a nation’s potential, hindering its progress on multiple fronts. It cuts productivity, raises healthcare costs, perpetuates the cycle of poverty and ill health and slows economic growth.

To effectively tackle the malice of undernutrition affecting women and children, the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India — the nodal ministry for POSHAN Abhiyaan, in addition to its other feeding initiatives, also organises programmes annually to promote positive nutritional behaviours. The decision to observe September as the National Nutrition Month or Rashtriya Poshan Maah every year was taken during the second meeting of the National Council on India's Nutrition Challenges under the POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) held in July 2018.

Consequently, every September, hospitals, nutritionists, dieticians and NGOs arrange live demonstrations, workshops and social media campaigns around nutrition. They aim to educate people on personal food choices and health issues related to under- and overnutrition like stunting, anaemia and low birth weight in children.

National Nutrition Month: Focus Areas

National Nutrition Month especially focuses on the well-being of adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers to enhance their nutritional status. Optimal breastfeeding, growth monitoring, hygiene and sanitation, food fortification and girls' education, diet and marriage at the right age etc. are at the heart of all awareness-creation efforts.

The awareness campaigns also revolve around teaching children about nutrition and healthy eating practices. This comes with an added opportunity to promote the long-term well-being of local communities as children are likely to pass on the information they receive to their friends and families. Additionally, nourished children will be more productive, attain their physical and cognitive potential and grow up to strive for economic progress.

PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (previously the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Scheme) for children in government and government-aided schools across India is another impactful government initiative to achieve a healthy and educated nation. Balanced MDMs reach millions of children in these schools every school day, helping them meet their nutritional requirements and be healthy and energetic to be attentive in both, curricular and co-curricular activities, thus progressing towards a better future.

In closing… Let’s come together this September to help spread the word about nutrition and good eating habits so that everyone has an equal opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. You can also contribute online or volunteer with NGOs that provide nutritious meals and nutritional education to those who may not have regular access to them otherwise.

Making the world a better place to live has always involved fighting hunger. In the present situation, hunger is the main problem globally. With the world recovering from a paralysing pandemic, hunger has emerged as one of the most important and pressing problems. To make it easier to achieve Zero Hunger globally, food insecurity needs to be addressed right away and in the right way.

Despite many developments, we neglect severe poverty and hunger-related problems plaguing the world. Most people go to bed on an empty stomach while others enjoy a costly dinner and a privileged lifestyle. To address the case for achieving Zero Hunger worldwide, this heartbreaking issue requires the primary attention.

What causes hunger

Despite the fact that the nation has been food secure for the past ten years, patterns of food demand are shifting due to economic growth and changing demography. The issue is even more difficult in India because the food basket varies from region to region. Designing and creating more effective integrated systems of food production, processing, preservation and distribution is becoming increasingly important in order to meet the changing dietary preferences of the country.

Due to inadequate cold storage and warehousing, India loses around 7% of its yearly food production due to insufficient processing and storing facilities. Developing nations could conserve a lot more food if they had refrigeration facilities on par with developed nations.

Why achieving Zero Hunger is crucial

India has experienced rapid changes and development in the past 20 years. Even though the country has had remarkable industrial and economic growth and generates enough food to serve its whole population, it is unable to feed a large number of people and achieve its goal of having Zero Hunger.

India undoubtedly produces enough food to feed its population, but challenges in the supply chain hinders the distribution process. Due to this, many people, especially children, lack proper access to food and therefore, are vulnerable to malnutrition. Additionally, the lack of resources keeps people in poverty and does almost nothing to stop a never-ending cycle of malnutrition-related issues.

Given all the circumstances, eliminating hunger in India should be our top priority in order to end the problem permanently.

Apart from the government, some NGOs have provided comfort and sustenance to those who struggle with hunger. NGOs address hunger and malnutrition by taking a direct and indirect approach through various initiatives.

To identify and subsequently address the problem of hunger in India, NGOs create and implement nutrition programmes, work on health systems with various government authorities and even collaborate with healthcare professionals.

Years ago, when India won freedom from British colonialism, on 15 August 1947, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a historic speech in which he called every Indian to work hard for the development of the country. Since then, India has made tremendous progress and has risen to the top of the global world. Recently, with the presidency of the G20 and the refusal to join NATO Plus, India has shown its confidence to become a global leader. Apart from becoming the 5th largest economy, India like any other nation, has its own challenges. To address these challenges, the government has come up with several initiatives, such as the Mid-Day Meal Programme (PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) and free education policy to make sure that children are well-nourished and well-educated to empower the nation.

Children: The future of India Children are the next generation that will contribute to the progress of the country. Therefore, investing in children is crucial for their well-being and thus to become productive members of society. Understanding this, the Government of India is implementing the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM) in government and government-aided schools to address the issue of classroom hunger. If children don’t receive adequate nutrition, they cannot concentrate in their classes, causing poor learning and low academic performance. When children receive nutritious meals from their schools every day, it will enhance their attention span, making them sit in the class attentively. It also lowers the risk of health issues such as stunting, wasting and anaemia that usually affect during childhood. So, nurturing children by giving them the right environment for learning and growing is crucial for building sensitive and sensible citizens for the future. Feed for the freedom Freedom combined with responsibility is the path of progress. So, with freedom, each individual has the responsibility to uplift the underprivileged. People, especially children from rural areas, are more vulnerable to undernutrition. Their financial limitations may prevent them from accessing their fundamental rights to good food and education. Thus, they may have limited opportunities for defining their career. MDM programme ensures that no child is left behind in pursuing their dreams.

Giving to an NGO or a charity is a way to connect to the world and to other human beings. Giving has a positive impact on your own life in addition to supporting a cause. Giving can feel just as wonderful as receiving, whether you choose to support charities that fight for the nutrition of children or the elderly, environmental protection, assist animals in need or address other issues of national, regional or global concern. Charities need your support to continue their altruistic activities. Why you should come forward to donate to NGOs in India Benefits beneficiaries: When you support an NGO and donate towards its cause, you help in uplifting a community by imbibing awareness, responsibilities and being a part of the solution. With your kindness, you are empowering those in need and enabling them to lead a quality life. Setting an example for children: Instilling compassion in youngsters is a crucial life lesson. Children who see you donating will learn that it is the correct thing to do as they grow up and will want to emulate you. Simply put, giving to charity helps you set a positive example for your children.

Giving multiplies happiness: Helping others is satisfying. Giving to a charity that means a lot to you not only enables them to carry out their crucial work but also enhances your emotional well-being. Tax benefits: Apart from making a difference with your generosity, you can get financial provisions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. You will get a tax receipt for your donation when you give to a registered charity. You can then include your receipt with your yearly tax return to get a tax credit for your donation. A sizable donation can result in large tax savings. Apart from monetary donation, you can also contribute by volunteering for a cause. Volunteering your time is an alternative to giving money to charity if you are seeking additional ways to give back but are unable to do so. You'll build communities who share your interests, pick up new skills to add to your resume or finish the required community service hours for academic programmes. You can also participate in the group that champions your preferred cause. Posting your charitable deed on social media will encourage others to support people in need.

Children are fundamental to a nation’s future because healthy children are more likely to grow into healthy adults. A population of healthy and educated citizens can propel any country to the top of the rankings in terms of development. Investment in children’s nutrition and education through interventions like mid-day meals can help them reach their full potential and eventually lead to the nation’s economic development. Importance of Child Nutrition According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, India has more than 43 crore children in the age group of 0-18 years. The Government of India has recognised the importance of strategic investment in children from an early age and launched numerous programmes for their well-being. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds face a slew of challenges, such as poverty and malnutrition, that may cause life-long health issues like stunting, wasting, etc. Their inability to obtain adequate healthy food on a daily basis threatens their physical, mental and cognitive development, leaving them vulnerable to the challenges that life throws at them. Healthy nutrition provides them the energy and strength to survive and thrive, leading them to become productive members of society.

Childhood is a stage of dependence where children rely on their families and communities for their needs. It is also a time when they grow at a faster rate than at any other time of life. So, children need utmost care and attention to prevent malnutrition in all its forms. Undernourished children are vulnerable to impaired cognitive development and poor learning capacities. Undernutrition adversely impacts their behavioural patterns and attention span, thus resulting in poor school attendance as children are susceptible to falling ill rather frequently and low learning outcomes as they are unable to focus on academics or co-curricular activities. Nutrition boosts their immune system and concentration level, and consequently, their attendance and academic performance, thus helping unlock their potential. Significance of Mid-Day Meals In a country like India, which is well-known for its diversity, it is essential to ensure that all children—irrespective of their religion, caste, colour and gender—receive at least one nutrient-rich meal a day. The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Programme (PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) helps ensure the same. It is a crucial initiative by the Government of India to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in children. In order to add to the efficiency of such welfare initiatives, the government encourages participation from NGOs, corporates, philanthropists and individuals. Everyone’s efforts contribute towards the successful implementation of these initiatives, thus helping build a strong foundation necessary for a healthy nation.

Hunger continues to be one of the widespread issues in India that affect millions of people. While the government has put various programmes in place to address the challenges pertaining to hunger, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are doing their bit to help people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Serving food to those in need has proven to be one of the most effective services of the NGOs. While some of these organisations gather leftover food from events, others gather contributions from private citizens and businesses and prepare nourishing meals to be given to those from backgrounds with limited opportunities. Below is a list of a few Indian NGOs that are supporting India’s fight against hunger.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a Bengaluru-based NGO that works to end classroom hunger by executing the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) in government and government-aided schools. As part of the scheme, the NGO fights malnutrition and encourages children from low socio-economic backgrounds to pursue their education and endure their dreams. The NGO currently serves over 2 million children from 22,367 schools across 15 states and 2 union territories and more than 92,000 children at 3,548 Anganwadis across 4 states in India. Akshaya Patra operates on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Government of India, various state governments and supporters.

Rise Against Hunger India

Rise Against Hunger India is an international hunger relief organisation that envisions a world without hunger. Based in Bengaluru, the organisation's mission is to nourish lives, empower communities, respond to emergencies and build a strong movement towards ending hunger.

The Robin Hood Army

The Robin Hood Army is a non-profit volunteer group that seeks to collect extra food from restaurants and neighbourhoods for the benefit of the less fortunate. According to the organisation: "Our Robins are primarily students and young professionals who work in their spare time. Homeless families, orphans, patients from public hospitals and senior living facilities are among the least fortunate segments of society we support.”

Feeding India

A non-profit organisation called Feeding India is working to end hunger and reduce malnutrition in India. In order to fulfil this objective, they provide raw grains and freshly prepared food to impoverished populations in addition to funding extensive structural reforms. By giving dependents regular meals, Feeding India collaborates with local non-profit partners tackling issues related to hunger and education. Feeding India is providing daily meals to schools serving low-income families as part of the Poshan to Pathshala campaign. The objective is to guarantee that all young infants receive proper nourishment for their overall development.

Khushiyaan Foundation

Khushiyaan is dedicated to bringing happiness to people from marginalised sections of society. The Foundation was established by Mr Chinu Kwatra and a group of youngsters. It works to serve nutritious food, boost women's empowerment and hygiene, conducts cleanliness drives and give the gift of education through its initiatives. The Khushiyaan Foundation is an implementing organisation that develops and executes a variety of development projects.

In India, there are several international NGOs trying to improve the lives of children. These organisations are working in tandem with government programmes, regulations, and legislation to do all it takes to guarantee that all children have equal access to their rights, lead a happy and safe childhood and have a bright future.

Some of these NGOs are: 1) Save the Children International Save the Children International is a renowned independent child rights NGO in India and a global non-profit. The NGO works to protect, educate, and assure the survival of the most vulnerable children around the world for more than a century. Through our work, the NGO annually impacts tens of millions of kids in 116 different countries. Save the Children is strongly committed to ensuring that children not only survive, but also thrive because they firmly believe that every child deserves the best opportunity for a bright future. More than 80 nations throughout the world are home to Save the Children, which strives to better the lives of the most vulnerable children residing there. 2) CRY (Child Rights and You) Every child should have a joyful, healthy, and creative childhood, according to CRY. They include making sure children in CRY-backed initiatives have access to free, high-quality education, basic healthcare, and are protected from abuse, exploitation and violence. They also aim to lower the rate of child malnutrition and ensure that children’s views are heard in discussions about topics that concern them. 3) CHF (Child Help Foundation) Child Help Foundation (CHF), a national non-profit organisation with a focus on children that was established in 2010, is dedicated to ensuring that children's rights, as outlined in the Indian Constitution and the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child), are upheld. The NGO conducts operations throughout India and promotes health, with a particular emphasis on providing children with medical emergency support, quality education, access to clean water and sanitation and hunger eradication. Its goals include saving children's lives, ending hunger, identifying and treating malnutrition, and handling emergency situations brought on by natural catastrophes. 4) The Akshaya Patra Foundation The Akshaya Patra Foundation runs on a public-private partnership (PPP) method of operation. Since Akshaya Patra serves as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme's implementing partner, the Indian government, state governments and related groups firmly support the organisation. Due to this, Akshaya Patra's school lunch initiative has expanded, serving over 2 million students in 2022 as opposed to just 1,500 in 2000.

5) Project Nanhi Kali Project Nanhi Kali, run by the K C Mahindra Education Trust, offers impoverished girls in classes 1 through 10 all-around support in order to help them graduate from school with dignity. The project gives the girls daily academic support and a yearly supply box of school goods, enabling them to go to school with dignity. To raise awareness of the value of girls' education, the team works closely with community stakeholders and the families of the girls. 6) Smile Foundation Through more than 350 active welfare programmes on education, healthcare, livelihood, and women's emancipation in more than 1,000 isolated villages and slums throughout 25 states of India, the Smile Foundation is an NGO that directly benefits over 750,000 children and their families each year. According to the NGO, education is both the means and the end to a better life. It is the means because it gives a person the ability to support themselves and it is the end because it increases awareness of a variety of issues, such as healthcare, appropriate social behaviour and understanding one's rights and helps a person become a better citizen.

Giving to NGOs helps to ensure that all children, regardless of caste, class, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, have an equal chance to live and prosper in society.

We live in a world where hopes and dreams of the future lie within the hearts, minds and bodies of children. Thus, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are upheld.

Child rights are fundamental liberties that every child deserves, regardless of their gender or socioeconomic background. We must come together to safeguard them and foster an inclusive society with equal access to physical, intellectual and emotional development.

Acknowledging the need of the hour, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and governments worldwide specified the fundamental child rights we all must strive to protect. By defining and guarding these rights, we recognise and nurture the inherent value and potential of every child.

Child Rights by UNESCO

Name, citizenship and identity: Every child must be registered soon after their birth. They must be given a name that is accepted by the government of the nation. Additionally, they must be given legal access to their own identities, complete with records of their names, families and nationalities.

Best interests of the child: A child's guardians should prioritise the child's needs when making decisions. The guardians must also be closely monitored by the government.

No discrimination: No child should be discriminated against based on their socioeconomic status.

Survival and development: Every child, including those with special needs, has the right to the best possible life and development.

Parental contact: Every child must live under the supervision and care of both parents unless doing so endangers the child. Governments must permit parents and children to travel to stay in contact if they reside in separate nations.

Rights to security and protection from kidnapping, labour, harmful drugs and abuse.

Respect for children’s views: Every child capable of forming their views has the right to express them freely in all matters affecting the child. These views will be given due weight according to the age and maturity of the child.

Right to health, water, food, environment, information, education, rest, play, culture, arts, privacy and secure home.

Family guidance: Families and communities must help children exercise their rights effectively.

Children who violate the law have a right to legal representation. They must be given access to counselling and a fair chance to contribute positively to their communities. Juvenile detention centres should always be the last resort.

Child Rights in India

Child rights mandated by law in India are similar to those declared by UNESCO.

Right to Survival Right to be born and have access to healthy food, shelter, clothing, medical treatment, safe drinking water and a hygienic and secure environment.

Right to Development Right to education, play and leisure; right to physical, mental and emotional growth.

Right to Protection Right to be protected against abuse, neglect, violence and dangerous drugs.

Right to Participation Right to information and to take part in any decision-making that directly or indirectly affects the child. They also have the freedom of expression, association and opinion.

There has been noteworthy progress in how a child is treated in India. To ensure the nation's children grow up healthy, government schemes like the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, Operation Smile, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012, the Integrated Child Protection Scheme, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and many others are constantly at work.

The past few decades have seen numerous NGOs in India mobilising resources to promote child rights and combat child exploitation. They have successfully safeguarded millions of children with the help of their government and law-abiding citizenry.

Let’s unite to protect child rights

Emotional, intellectual and creative growth are crucial facets of a child’s development, for which ensuring their rights becomes paramount. Providing school meals is one of the most effective ways to guarantee these rights and the healthy development of children. It builds a robust foundation to support their emotional well-being, intellectual growth and creative expression throughout their lives.

Education takes a back seat when a child's basic needs are not met because no child can study when they are hungry. In 2001, the Supreme Court of India mandated that all students attending government and government-aided schools get mid-day meals every day.

To implement this, the Government of India runs the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (previously known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme). This scheme provides nutritious school meals to children every day that motivates parents to send them to school more frequently.

By sponsoring children’s wholesome mid-day meals, you are supporting their nutritional needs, helping them attend school regularly and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) of Zero Hunger and Quality Education.

Given their capacity and accessibility to those with limited opportunities, several Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a significant role in the fight against hunger and work towards the two SDGs.

A few NGOs that work in this regard are:

The Akshaya Patra Foundation The Akshaya Patra Foundation is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It strives to address classroom hunger by implementing the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in government and government-aided schools. Alongside, the NGO also aims at countering malnutrition and supporting the right to education of children from challenging socio-economic backgrounds. The Foundation currently serves wholesome school lunch to over 2 million children in 22,367 schools across 15 states and 2 union territories of India.

Feeding India Feeding India is an NGO working to alleviate hunger and reduce malnutrition in India. The NGO offers freshly cooked food and raw grains to marginalised populations. By giving beneficiaries daily meals, Feeding India collaborates with local non-profit partners fighting against child and maternal malnutrition and education.

Action Against Hunger India Action Against Hunger India is an NGO that strives to prioritise the fight against acute malnutrition and save the lives of children. Additionally, the NGO also provides communities with access to safe water. The organisation believes that with strong political will, the world can be free of child deaths from acute malnutrition and this can be achieved within a generation.

Fight Hunger Foundation Fight Hunger Foundation strives to stop acute malnutrition in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan among disadvantaged children. The Foundation, which was established in 2012, begins by locating children who are chronically undernourished. To ensure inpatient and outpatient care, the Foundation then works with the local community and healthcare providers. They run initiatives to raise awareness about nutrition and hygiene and teach the medical staff at the neighbourhood hospitals how to treat malnutrition and keep track of patients. The NGO uses a comprehensive strategy to help communities fight hunger by providing access to diversely nutrient-dense, locally affordable food.

No Child Hungry No Hungry Child was started with the goal of feeding nutritious meals to children. In addition to distributing meals, they also extend monetary help to other officially recognised NGOs so that they can prepare and serve free meals to the underprivileged. The NGO places a high priority on hygiene and makes sure that the kitchens, cooking staff, dining areas, and the children themselves adhere to stringent cleaning procedures.

Embracing The World Embracing the World aims to reduce poverty. They work to meet all five basic needs of a person—food, shelter, healthcare, education and a means of subsistence—"whenever and wherever possible." With the support of the founder Mata Amritanandamayi Devi's ashrams and regional centres, the programme provides food for 10 million people annually in India. Following the 2004 tsunami, they gave 185 tonnes of rice and nearly six million complimentary meals to the survivors in India.

Despite multiple efforts, millions in India continue to suffer from malnutrition and hunger which is a reminder of the existing economic inequality that denies their access to basic sustenance. Since poverty and hunger are inextricably linked, the world cannot end hunger unless we increase awareness of the issue and work together to advance marginalised groups.

'Child labourer' refers to a child involved in paid and unpaid forms of work. The nature of the work may or may not be harmful, but it compromises their physical, cognitive, psychosocial and educational development in the long run.

Currently, almost one in ten children worldwide are engaged in child labour (un.org, 2023). The exploitation of their innocent young minds robs them of their childhood and potential, undermining all our efforts to achieve sustainable progress.

Thus, Target 8.7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals demands an end to child labour in all its forms by 2025. However, the pandemic has plunged more families into poverty, leaving millions more children with no other alternative.

Therefore, the time is ripe for decisive action!

NGOs against child labour

Addressing the complexities of child labour requires a multi-faceted approach, which brings NGOs working for child rights to the forefront of the battle. They deploy dedicated and well-researched methods to formulate sustainable solutions to the pressing social issue.

They identify child labourers, rescue them and enrol them in comprehensive rehabilitation programmes.

They raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms and collaborate with governments, businesses and individuals to create a society where every child can flourish.

They understand that sustainable change requires community involvement. Thus, they actively engage with parents, teachers and local stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Through skill development programmes and vocational training, they empower communities to create better livelihood opportunities, reducing the need for child labour.

They aid the implementation of government schemes such as providing free meals for education, thus incentivising children and their families to choose school over labour.

Some NGOs doing phenomenal work on this front are CRY - Child Rights and You, Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, Hand in Hand India, UNICEF, Smile Foundation and Don Bosco Balprafulta. You can join the fight by donating or volunteering with these NGOs.

Support NGOs to liberate children from the shackles of child labour

By addressing the interlinked issues of hunger, education and community empowerment, NGOs serve as guiding light, illuminating the path towards a future where every child is free to dream, learn and grow. But the battle against child labour is complex and requires a collective effort.

So, let us unite and support the NGOs striving tirelessly to cherish and protect the innocence and potential of every child. You can take the first step today by contributing to feed the children in government and government-aided schools.